FGI Chicago’s 11th Rising Star Awards

Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Public Works Gallery
2141 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL

Celebrate the future of Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry at FGI Chicago’s 11th Rising Star Awards.

The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding emerging professionals making an impact across Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry. Join designers, retailers, stylists, photographers, beauty professionals, content creators, fashion artists, event producers, interior designers, models, and industry leaders for an inspiring afternoon of networking, creativity, and celebration.

Experience a grazing brunch, professional networking, explore exhibits featuring this year’s Rising Star finalists, celebrate the 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Award recipients, and connect with the people shaping the future of fashion in Chicagoland.

Honoring Sharaun Brown

FGI Chicago is proud to present the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Sharaun Brown, recognizing her innovation, leadership, and influence in forging new paths within the fashion industry.

Sharaun Brown is an international supermodel, television host, speaker, media personality, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe. A finalist on America’s Next Top Model, she has built a dynamic career spanning fashion, television, and live entertainment, most recently serving as the Official Trophy Model Presenter at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards and the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23. Her work has placed her onstage for iconic moments alongside Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Diana Ross, Cher, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and many more. Through The Model Tribe, Sharaun also mentors and empowers the next generation of models and creatives. 

Sharaun will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 11th Rising Star Awards.

Event Highlights

• Grazing brunch
• Finalist exhibits and displays
• Presentation of the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Sharaun Brown
• FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards presentation
• Professional networking

Event Schedule

10:30 AM – VIP Admission
11:00 AM – General Admission
2:00 PM – Event Concludes

Dress Code

Chic Brunch Attire

Ticket Options

General Admission — $75
Includes the networking grazing brunch, finalist exhibits, Rising Star Awards presentation, and post-awards networking. Limited presentation seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

VIP Admission — $100
Includes the full General Admission experience plus 10:30 AM early entry, VIP gift bag, and first priority for available presentation seating, with VIP high-top seating available as needed.

FGI Members receive $15 off General Admission and VIP tickets with their member discount code.

Buying 2 VIP tickets? Consider a $250 Starlight Sponsorship for guaranteed reserved seating, sponsor recognition, and additional event benefits.

Purchase Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fgi-chicago-11th-rising-star-awards

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support Chicagoland’s emerging fashion and beauty professionals while showcasing your business to an engaged audience of industry leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Sponsorship opportunities are available directly through this event page:

• Starlight Sponsor — $250
• Eclipse Sponsor — $500
• Constellation Sponsor — $1,000
• Nebula Sponsor — $2,000
• Supernova Sponsor — $5,000

Each sponsorship level includes event admission, reserved seating, marketing recognition, and additional benefits based on sponsorship level. Full benefits and specifications are available in the sponsorship packet.

View the Sponsorship Packet:

2026_FGICHI_RS_SponsorPacket-

2026_FGICHI_RS_SponsorPacket-1

Learn more about the FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards:
https://fgichicago.my.canva.site/

 

Press Releases:

8/19/2026: FGIChi_2026_RisingStarAwards_PressRelease1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sharaun Brown Named 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award Honoree and Master of Ceremonies for 11th Rising Star Awards

International supermodel, television host, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe will be honored as FGI Chicago celebrates the emerging professionals shaping the future of Chicagoland fashion.

CHICAGO, IL — FGI Chicago will honor international supermodel, television host, speaker, media personality, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe Sharaun Brown with the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award at the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Public Works Gallery in Chicago. Brown will also take the stage as Master of Ceremonies, leading FGI Chicago’s celebration of emerging talent and the people helping move Chicago’s fashion industry forward.

The FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award recognizes an individual whose vision, innovation, leadership, and influence have helped forge new paths within the fashion industry. A finalist on America’s Next Top Model, Brown has built a dynamic career spanning fashion, television, and live entertainment, most recently serving as the Official Trophy Model Presenter at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards and the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23. Her work has placed her onstage for iconic moments alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment. Through The Model Tribe, Sharaun also mentors and empowers the next generation of models and creatives.

“Sharaun embodies what the Trailblazer Award represents—someone who continues to evolve, create new opportunities, and forge her own path in the fashion industry,” said Jessica Crane, Regional Director of FGI Chicago. “Her career demonstrates that there is no single path to success, and that is an important message for the emerging professionals we celebrate through the FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards. We are honored to recognize Sharaun and thrilled to have her lead this year’s celebration as our Master of Ceremonies.”

“Receiving the FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award is an incredible honor, especially from a fashion community that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I’ve always believed success is about more than the opportunities you receive—it’s also about creating opportunities for those coming behind you. I hope to continue opening doors and inspiring the next generation to see just how far they can go.”
— Sharaun Brown

The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards recognize emerging Chicagoland professionals building their careers and businesses across fashion and its related industries. Eligible nominees have been in business or professional practice for one to seven years. Through member-driven nominations and voting, the program provides a platform to recognize rising talent while strengthening connections between emerging and established professionals throughout Chicago’s fashion community.

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will bring together professionals from across the region to discover emerging talent, build industry connections, and celebrate the creativity and innovation happening within Chicagoland. The event will feature a grazing brunch, professional networking, finalist exhibits, the Rising Star Awards presentation, and the presentation of the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Brown.

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will take place Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Public Works Gallery, 2141 W. North Avenue, Chicago. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available at FGI.ORG/Chicago.

About FGI Chicago

Founded in 1934, FGI Chicago is the Chicago Region of Fashion Group International, a global professional membership organization serving the fashion, beauty, lifestyle, retail, and related industries. FGI Chicago brings together emerging and established professionals through industry-focused education, professional networking, development opportunities, and recognition programs designed to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and advance Chicagoland’s fashion community. As part of FGI’s international network, Chicago members are connected to a broader community of industry professionals and resources around the world.

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